Lake Bled

Overview

Ringed by forest and mountains, Lake Bled holds a 17th-century Assumption Church on its island, reached by traditional wooden pletna boats, where visitors ring the wishing bell. Bled Castle on the cliff above is the oldest castle in Slovenia and looks over the whole lake. A six-kilometre path circles the shore, with boating and swimming in summer and a frozen surface in winter.

History

First recorded in 1004, it became a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages; Bled Castle dates from the 11th century and lakeside holidays began in the 19th century.

Highlights

• •The island and its Assumption Church
• •The traditional pletna boats
• •Bled Castle on the cliff
• •The six-kilometre lakeside path

Practical tips

• •The boat to the island is about EUR 20 return; ringing the bell costs a small fee
• •Morning mist on the water makes the best photographs

Practical information

Best time

May-September

Tickets

The lakeside path is free; the castle about EUR 15

Opening hours

Path open all day; castle 9:00-18:00

Local food

Bled cream cake (kremna rezina), grilled trout

Getting around

About 1.5 hours by bus from Ljubljana, or train to Bled station and walk.

Visa

A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.

…